Modular notebook computer having a planar array of module bays and a pivotally attached flat-panel display

Abstract

A modular notebook computer has a framework with module bays for receiving CPU modules, power modules, and peripheral function modules such as floppy and hard disk drives. The framework has a built-in compressed bus and a variety of function modules which can be plugged into any one of the module bays. Function modules include, but are not limited to, CPU, power, floppy disk, hard disk, RAM memory, LAN communication, modem, FAX communication, and data acquisition.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular computer comprising: a flat, rectangular case;   a plurality of module bays arranged in a common plane and opening to one or more edges of the case, the module bays for receiving and docking functional modules;   a multi-pin electrical connector at the inboard end of each module bay, for engaging a mating electrical connector on a docked functional module;   a communication bus connecting to each multi-pin electrical connector in each module bay;   a flat-panel display pivotally attached to the case of the modular computer; and   input apparatus for providing user input.   
     
     
       2. A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the flat-panel display is pivotally attached to the case of the modular computer, positionable substantially in the plane of the case for storage and transport, and positionable at an angle to the case for viewing in operation. 
     
     
       3. A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the input apparatus is a physical keyboard with separately operable keys. 
     
     
       4. A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the communication bus is a compressed bus for multiplexing data and addresses on a common set of parallel conductors. 
     
     
       5. A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the input apparatus is a keyboard, the display is a flat panel display pivotally attached to the case, and the display is closable over the keyboard for storage and transport. 
     
     
       6. A modular computer as in claim 1 additionally comprising a power-conversion means for accepting electrical power from one or more of function modules and a power plug, altering the voltage level of the accepted electrical power, and providing the altered voltage to the multi-pin electrical connectors in the module bays. 
     
     
       7. A modular computer as in claim 1 wherein the module bays open to two opposite edges of the case, and the communication bus is implemented in a central spine between the inboard ends of opposite module bays. 
     
     
       8. A modular computer as in claim 1 further comprising a CPU function module configured to dock in one of the module bays, the CPU function module having a CPU microprocessor and a state translator for managing communication between the CPU microprocessor and the communication bus. 
     
     
       9. A modular computer as in claim 1 comprising a power module configured to dock in one of the module bays, the power module having an electrical power storage unit connected to a mating electrical connector configured to mate with the multi-pin electrical connectors in the module bays. 
     
     
       10. A modular computer as in claim 1 further comprising an I/O function module for performing an I/O function for the modular computer. 
     
     
       11. A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a floppy disk drive module. 
     
     
       12. A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a hard disk drive module. 
     
     
       13. A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a RAM memory module. 
     
     
       14. A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a LAN module for providing communication between the modular computer and other digital systems on a local area network. 
     
     
       15. A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a modem module for providing serial communication between the modular computer and other digital systems. 
     
     
       16. A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a facsimile module for providing facsimile communication over a telephone line. 
     
     
       17. A modular computer as in claim 10 wherein the I/O function module is a specialty module for data acquisition from an instrument, the function module configured to transfer commands to the instrument over a communication link and to receive data from the instrument.